Polymerization of lactones, 12. Polymerization of L‐dilactide and L,D‐dilactide in the presence of potassium methoxide

The anionic polymerization of L ‐ and L,D ‐dilactide initiated with potassium methoxide in solution of tetrahydrofuran at a temperature of 20°C is investigated. It is found that this process leads with high yield to the corresponding polyesters. The optical rotation measurements and the microstructure of the polymers obtained indicate that side reactions, i. e. racemization and transesterification, are strongly limited.